Sara Cumberland

Well, we are beginning our 2nd day of helping others rebuild & repair their homes from the Hurricane...WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I never knew you could be so tired...but it's a really good kind of tired!
The whole week (so far) has been really good. For the most part, the flight and getting everyone through the airport went really well. On Sunday, we all went to Sunday School and the morning Service at the church that we are staying at. It was pretty different than we were used to, but it was great to try something new and to see how much the congregation appreciates groups like ours that come to serve God. Yesterday was our 1st day of work. The work group that I was in went to this elder ladie's home prepared to rebuild a fence and paint some things. When we got there, Pastor Jeff and a man from University Baptist Church figured out that we didn't have the supplies or the skills to build the fence for her. We were supposed to paint her porch, but the wood was rotting out in places that we couldn't replace it...so....she asked us to clean out her garage for her. It was an amazing thing. The water from the hurricane flooded her garage and house to about 4-4 1/2 feet up. Through the past 9 months, she has just been piling all of her things that were ruined by the water. It was a really sad thing, but in a way, I was kind of awestruck by the power of God for Him to be able to make such a powerful storm & yet, give all of these people who have lost a huge chuck of their lives the strength and hope to rebuild their lives.
Last night, as we were having out team meeting/devotions, I was reminded of how awesome God is through something as little as a hidden blessing. I have been sick with a sore throat and losing my voice the whole trip so far. I cannot talk normal (and sound a little froggie) and the most frustrating thing is, I cannot even attempt to sing....NOTHING comes out of my mouth, so I have been forced to sit back and listen to the others lift their voices. I have been wondering lately, just how many kids in our youth group has a true love and worship for God. Sitting back and just listening to them all sing last night showed me that all of these kids here with me really do want to be here to worship and serve God with all that they are. I kept thinking that we are truly in the "Heart of Worship" together. I really needed that reassurance and because of it, I thank God that I lost my voice the past couple of days
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement! It means more to me (and I'm sure the others) than you could ever know!s